Article first published as MIND GAMES Review @Seat42F.
ABC’s MIND GAMES is the network’s newest drama. Like most ABC shows, it isn’t really a procedural, much more focused on the drama between the characters, rather than a case of the week. However, there are some procedural elements to it, as the staff of Edwards and Associates will be working on a number of different projects as the weeks unfold.
ABC’s MIND GAMES is the network’s newest drama. Like most ABC shows, it isn’t really a procedural, much more focused on the drama between the characters, rather than a case of the week. However, there are some procedural elements to it, as the staff of Edwards and Associates will be working on a number of different projects as the weeks unfold.
Clark Edwards (Steve Zahn, Treme) is a
bipolar genius who studies human behavior. Recently fired from his job
as a college professor after having an affair with a student named Beth
(Katherine Cunningham, The Playboy Club), Clark has been recruited by
his brother, Ross (Christian Slater, Breaking In), to apply his skills
to the real world, hoping to build a business that will make them both
rich. The problem is, Clark is highly unstable, given to flights of
exuberance that can turn potential clients off or ruin Clark’s own
carefully planned scenarios, exacerbated by his inability to let Beth
go. Only Ross’s ex-wife, Claire (Wynn Everett, The Newsroom), can keep
Clark calm.
Now, for those wondering if having his
former spouse around will drive Ross crazy, the answer is a resounding
yes. After all, Ross has just spent two years in jail for fraud, and
Claire is the one who turned him in, so to say their breakup is amiable
would be a gross misrepresentation. Unfortunately, since Clark needs
Claire, Ross is going to have to put up with her.
The dynamic and interactions between
Ross and Clark are a highlight of the series. Zahn and Slater have been
perfectly cast. Through the “Pilot,” viewers will be kept guessing if
Ross is a good guy and if he really cares about Clark, or if he’s using
him for financial gain, since we’re shown he’s a known liar and cheat.
There are clues that point in both directions, and the simple truth of
the matter is, perhaps both mindsets apply, which makes for a complex,
interesting sibling relationship.
Claire’s insertion into the middle of
this is explosive and very entertaining. Checking out the press website
for the show, though, Claire is not listed among the main cast, worrying
me that she isn’t long for the series. I think that would be a grave
mistake, as even if the love triangle set up is familiar, it’s done in
such an effecting way that it really makes the characters. Maybe she’ll
be recurring throughout season one and then promoted if the show is
renewed?
And renewed, it deserves to be. I’ve
only seen a single episode, and I can still say that with certainty.
Everything I’ve mentioned above is absolutely fantastic, well written
and superbly acted. And there are other elements to the show, too.
For one, there will be individual
clients, and since this isn’t a cop or lawyer drama, these stories can
be new and different, taking a fresh approach to the scenarios. The
“Pilot” opens with Clark and Ross in a meeting with a potential investor
(Ron Rifkin, Alias) that is extremely amusing. Then it segues into the
firm trying to help a boy whose insurance is denying him much needed
care. This is a compelling narrative that will tug at the emotions of
the viewers, and through helping him, fans will come to care about the
characters.
It seems the ensemble is good, too. The
Edwards brothers are joined by Megan (Megalyn Echikunwoke, The 4400), a
wannabe actress, Latreel (Cedric Sanders, The Social Network), who has
business acumen, and Miles (Gregory Marcel, Infinity Strategists), whose
contribution isn’t fully defined in the premiere. The first two have a
skillset that will certainly serve the firm’s mission well, and the
entire trio have wonderful, character-defining moments that tell us who
they are, very different personalities.
MIND GAMES doesn’t just have the makings
of a good show, it already is one. It’s sort of like Scandal on a
smaller scale with a little less soapiness. It’s intelligent and well
produced, and I look forward to watching more.
MIND GAMES premieres this Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.